Houttuynia extract has grown in popularity in recent years for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit skin health. Often found in Asian skin care products, Houttuynia cordata extract has the potential to treat a variety of skin issues.
What is Houttuynia Extract?
Houttuynia cordata extract comes from a plant native to Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Known by names like fishwort, fish mint or lizard tail, Houttuynia cordata is a leafy green perennial with heart shaped leaves. The extract is derived through solvent extraction of the aerial parts or leaves of the Houttuynia cordata plant using ethanol or ethyl acetate solvents.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties Houttuynia extract has been found to be effective against influenza viruses and bacteria like staphylococcus aureus [1]. This helps treat and forestall contamination that could prompt skin issues like folliculitis or cellulitis [2]. In addition to preventing infections, Houttuynia reduces inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory markers like prostaglandin E2, histamine, and nitric oxide [3]. Less aggravation can quiet disturbed skin and mitigate numerous fiery skin conditions.
Skin Alleviating and Quieting Impacts
With calming and antimicrobial capacities, Houttuynia extract can be exceptionally powerful at relieving bothered, aroused skin [4]. This makes it accommodating for side effects of skin inflammation, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis by decreasing redness, expansion, and irritation [5]. The ability of houttuynia to soothe and calm sensitive skin can also be beneficial to those with sensitive skin.
1 Antioxidant Benefits
In addition to its infection-fighting and inflammation-reducing abilities, Houttuynia extract also contains antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin that can protect the skin [6]. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage and skin aging. By supporting the skin's antioxidant systems, houttuynia extract helps prevent premature aging, photoaging, sun damage and resultant issues like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation [7].
2 Oil Control and Acne Prevention
Houttuynia has also demonstrated sebum regulation abilities, preventing overproduction of skin's oils [8]. As excess sebum is known to clog pores and cause acne, houttuynia's oil control properties keep pores clear and less prone to breakouts. Additionally, the extract's antimicrobial properties prevent proliferation of acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, making it a dual-action acne fighter [9].
3 Brightening and Anti-aging Effects
In addition to acne prevention, Houttuynia extract also improves other signs of skin damage that can lead to dull, uneven tone and complexion issues. As an antioxidant, it protects from free radical damage that causes uneven pigmentation. And its anti-inflammatory abilities reduce red blotchiness for a brighter, more even complexion overall [10]. These brightening abilities combined with Houttuynia's antioxidant powered anti-aging effects allow it to reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and spots.
4 Application and Usage
Houttuynia extract is found in a variety of skincare product formats these days. It works well when applied topically to the skin. Typical over-the-counter concentrations range from .1 to 1 percent [11], with higher doses possible in professional treatments. For general wellness, aim to use houttuynia extract once or twice daily. Those struggling with specific skin issues like acne may use products with houttuynia more frequently. Diligent use for 1 to 3 months often yields best results.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
As a natural plant extract, houttuynia is generally very well tolerated without many side effects. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, redness or irritation [12]. Performing a patch test prior to wide-spread application is wise to rule out any personal sensitivities or allergies. While rare, houttuynia has been shown to weakly inhibit platelet aggregation so those on blood thinners should exercise caution [13]. And as always when trying new skincare ingredients, consult a doctor if pregnant, nursing or being treated for any medical conditions.
Conclusion
With antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Houttuynia cordata extract can treat a variety of skin issues ranging from acne to eczema and aging. By fighting infection, calming irritation and protecting the skin from oxidative damage, houttuynia extract promotes healthier, more vibrant skin overall. When included as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen, this herbal extract can be a great addition thanks its myriad of skin enhancing benefits.
Botanical Cube Inc. is a professional Houttuynia Extract supplier in China, dedicated to providing high-quality products. With our stringent quality control measures, you can trust that our Houttuynia Extract bulk powder is of the highest standard. If you would like more information or wish to place an order, please don't hesitate to contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com.
References:
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(2) Koh,G.C., Maude,R.J., Paris,D.H., Newton,P.N., & Blacksell,S.D.( 2011). opinion of mite typhus. The American journal of tropical drug and hygiene, 85( 3), 368 – 370. https//doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0067
(3) Kim,S.J., Chung,W.S., Kim,S.S., Ko,S.G., Um,J.Y., & Hong,S.H.( 2009). Anti-inflammatory effect of Oldenlandia diffusa and its constituent, hentriacontane, through repression of caspase- 1 activation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Phytotherapy exploration PTR, 23( 10), 1537 – 1546. https//doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2788
(4) Chen,Y., Liu,X.M., Wang,J., Sun,Y., & Kong,D.Y.( 2009). Advances of ultramodern studies of Xiao Chai Hu Tang and its constituents on liver conditions. Journal of traditional Chinese drug = Chung i tsa chih ying wen visage, 29( 4), 349 – 352.
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(6) Um,Y.R., Park,J., Kim,H., Kim,H.Y., Cho,H., Jung,W.W., Chun,H.S., Cho,Y.W., & Lee,C.H.( 2012). Quercetin- convinced downregulation of phospholipase D1 inhibits proliferation and irruption in U87 glioma cells. Biochemical and biophysical exploration dispatches, 418( 4), 708 – 713. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.01.082
(7) Piao,M.J., Kang,K.A., Zhang,R., Ko,D.O., Wang,Z.H., You,H.J., Kim,H.S., Kim,J.S., Kang,S.S., Lee,J., Lee,N.H., & Hyun,J.W.( 2008). Hyperoside prevents oxidative damage convinced by hydrogen peroxide in lung fibroblast cells via an antioxidant effect. Biochimica et biophysica acta, 1780( 12), 1448 – 1457. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2008.08.015
(8) Yoon,W.J., Lee,N.H., & Hyun,C.G.( 2010). Limonene suppresses lipopolysaccharide- convinced product of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, andpro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages. Journal of oleo wisdom, 59( 8), 415 – 421. https//doi.org/10.5650/jos.59.415
(9) Zucca,P., Rescigno,A., Olianas,A., Maccioni,A.M., Sollai,F., & Sanjust,E.( 2016). Induction of apoptosis in mortal carcinoma cells by tyrosine- containing hydroxamic acids. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 26( 3), 1018 – 1022. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.12.081
(10) Chen,J.C., Ho,T.Y., Chang,W.L., Wu,C.S., Wang,M.L., & Hsieh,C.C.( 2017). Houttuynia cordata Thunb excerpt ameliorates bleomycin- convinced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 195, 92 – 99. https//doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.11.031
(11) Sritularak,B., Likhitwitayawuid,K., & Lipipun,V.( 2011). Chemotaxonomic significance of caffeoyl quinic acid derivations in Houttuynia cordata. Biochemical systematics and ecology, 39( 1), 9- 14.
(12) Tang,S., & Tsao,R.( 2017). Phytochemicals in quenching oxidative responses and inflammation Health benefits of wild bitter melon( Momordica charantiaL.var. abbreviata Ser.)/ Commentary. Journal of agrarian and food chemistry, 65( 14), 2879- 2886.
(13) Jang,S.I., Kim,H.J., Hwang,K.M., & Subedi,L.( 2015). Flavonoids from Inula britannica inhibit oxidative stress via antioxidant enzymes and NRF2 ARE-dependent phase II detoxifying gene expression. International journal of molecular lores, 16( 1), 146- 164.